lieutenant

LIEUTENANT. This word has now a narrower meaning than it formerly had; its
true meaning is a deputy, a substitute, from the French lieu, (place or
post) and tenant (holder). Among civil officers we have lieutenant
governors, who in certain cases perform the duties of governors; (vide, the
names of the several states,) lieutenants of police, &c. Among military men,
lieutenant general was formerly the title of a commanding general, but now
it signifies the degree above major general. Lieutenant colonel, is the
officer between the colonel and the major. Lieutenant simply signifies the
officer next below a captain. In the navy, a lieutenant is the second
officer next in command to the captain of a ship.

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